“We have an outreach advocate now, and we’re so excited about this. For many women, it’s scary to make those big changes in life, and basically start over. It’s just easier to go back home, because they think: ‘At least I know what I’m dealing with there,’ ” says Burger, CASDA’s executive director.

“When women are living in our shelter, say 45 or 60 days, they have 24-hour support from our staff. But when they get their own place, they’re not sure how they’re going to make a paycheck stretch two weeks,” she adds. “Our outreach advocate will do those follow-up services—come by for a cup of coffee, ask how things are going, and connect these folks with community resources.

Our recent donation of $5,000 to CASDA will be used to replace overworked equipment in its shelter, and provide transportation to low-income clients in the form of cab vouchers, bus passes, gas cards and minor vehicle repairs.

“I always describe our funding as a patchwork quilt—federal, state and local grants, private foundation grants, corporations like Enbridge, fundraising events, and private contributions,” says Burger. “It’s so helpful for us to be able to tell our clients: ‘It’s OK. We can help you until you get on your feet.’ ”